Kodak puts out new camera-centric smartphone named Ektra

Despite struggling through bankruptcy back in 2013, Kodak is slowly trying to get back on its feet with a new smartphone that carries the name of one of its classic cameras.

Named after the Ektra 1941 rangefinder, its new smartphone is a camera-centric device that’s wrapped in artificial leatherette and has a curved grip on one end as well as a dedicated shutter button. It also has a very obvious lens protruding in the back with a 21-megapixel Sony sensor, reports Engadget.

Build-wise, the Kodak Ektra (2016) certainly looks like a classic camera. The company is hoping it will appeal to photography enthusiasts who would also own DSLRs or high-end compact cameras. Phone manufacturer Bullit has been tasked by Kodak to make the device more photographer-friendly. This means that it includes a camera app with a Scene Selection Dial for accessing different modes.

Snapseed has been placed as the default photo-editing app. The device will also have Kodak-curated app recommendations that include Adobe Lightroom, Prisma and VSCO.

As a smartphone, the Ektra is equipped with a deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor and 3GB of RAM. It has an internal storage of 32GB but can be expanded up to 128GB through a MicroSD. It also has a 3000mAh battery with “Pump Express” quick charging. It has a 5-inch 1080p display and comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.

The Kodak Ektra (2016) will retail for £449/€499 (P26,247) in Europe this coming December. The US market will have to wait as a Kodak spokesperson says they will have to monitor market demand before making any decisions. Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

From film to smartphones: Kodak-branded phones, tablets coming in 2015

Kodak, a household name in photography, is coming out with its own range of smartphones and tablets with - you guessed it - image management tools.

The iconic imaging brand announced a partnership with Bullitt Group to build Android-based mobile devices that may debut in 2015.

"Kodak is one of the world's most recognizable brands. It is trusted by consumers as a marque of quality and innovation. We've taken that heritage and used it to inspire a range of beautifully designed devices that will let users take great pictures and edit, share, store and print them in an instant," Oliver Schulte, CEO of Bullitt Mobile, said in a news release (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kodak-and-bullitt-group-partner-for-new-range-of-mobile-devices-debuts-at-ces-286533301.html).

A separate article on tech site The Verge noted UK-based Bullitt builds rugged smartphones for construction firm Caterpillar (http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/26/7450621/kodak-bullitt-smartphone-ces-2015).

The first Kodak-branded handset is to be launched at the Consumer Electronics Show 2015. Other devices planned for 2015 include a 4G phone, a tablet and a connected camera.

According to the news release, the upcoming Kodak-branded Android devices will target users seeking a high-end but relatively simple experience.

The devices are to be preloaded with image capture, management and sharing features, as well as advanced remote management software to let "family members and friends to provide help and support if needed."

"By giving customers easy access to printing and sharing services while still offering the latest Android OS and features found on high-end smartphones, we will appeal to a large audience of users who value ease of use and stylish design as highly as they value functionality," Schulte said.

For her part, Eileen Murphy, Kodak's vice president for brand licensing, said they are "impressed with Bullitt Group's commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that embrace the quality and innovation that our brand is known for around the world."

Licensing

The Verge said Kodak had licensed its brand and underwent restructuring to escape bankruptcy last September.

It had spun off or shut down its consumer divisions and is focused on commercial printing.

"Kodak can get people interested with its name alone, but it'll have to contribute more than just branding to actually win customers' respect," it said.  — Reuters